Preventing aggression in a pediatric inpatient unit: a best practice implementation project

In pediatric inpatient settings, there has been an increase in patients with mental health problems who display aggressive behavior toward staff.

The aim of this project was to prevent aggression in patients in a pediatric inpatient unit through the promotion of best practices.

The project was guided by the JBI Model of Evidence-Based Health care and the JBI Evidence Implementation Framework. An audit and feedback strategy was used, with baseline and follow-up audits conducted. Eight evidence-based practices were used for the audit criteria. Strategies to improve compliance with best practices were implemented following the baseline audit. A follow-up audit was conducted to measure any changes in clinical practice.

Gaps between evidence and practice were identified for three of the audit criteria. Barriers included the lack of a policy for preventing or managing aggressive behavior in patients, the lack of a process to identify triggers of aggressive behavior, and inconsistent use of the aggression prevention care plan in the electronic health record. To address these barriers, the project team created a unit protocol, or written guidance, for preventing aggressive behavior, implemented a process to document triggers, and developed a general aggression care plan in the electronic health record. Overall compliance with evidence-based practices increased from 30% to 34%.

This evidence implementation project used a clinical audit process, which led to a small overall improvement in compliance with evidence-based practices. This project has a potential long-term benefit, with staff being better prepared to prevent aggressive outbursts in patients in the general pediatric unit. However, further work is required to continue improving compliance with evidence-based practices.

http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A358.